Daley reveals gay relationship

Olympic diver Tom Daley has revealed in an online video that he is in a relationship with a man but "of course I still fancy girls." He said "it did take me by surprise" but that "I couldn't be happier."

The Olympic medallist told The Jonathan Ross Show: "To be honest it was a terrifying decision to make. I didn't know what the reaction was going to be like. I didn't know how it was going to go but I just felt like I needed to say something."

Olympic diver Tom Daley has revealed in an online video that he is in a relationship with a man. Credit: PA Wire

Speaking during a debate on cyber-bullying, Mr Andrew told the Commons: "There was one, I'm not even going to repeat some of the language as it is pretty horrific. One person is saying he is no longer a fan of Tom Daley because of the choice, as they call it, he has made.

"And one saying 'I'm now so ashamed of my country."

Mr Andrew added: "The point that I am trying to make is that if we don't stand up as individuals, if we don't go forward, then how can we expect people who are being victimised in their schools and work-places to do so. We do need to change the attitude so that we can then change the culture."

"We do need to change the attitude so that we can then change the culture.

Former Welsh rugby union player Gareth Thomas, who announced he was gay four years ago, says he believes Tom Daley will look back on yesterday's announcement and realise it was probably the "most powerful and most inspirational" thing he will have done in his life.

He added the Olympic diver's announcement will help many others across the world.

Alice Arnold, broadcaster and partner of sports presenter Clare Balding, said Daley's coming out video would help his career.

She told Channel 5 News:

It will make him a better diver, because if you've got that monkey on your back you're worried all the time.

It takes a lot of energy to live a secret life and he doesn't have to live a secret life, and that will improve everything for him and for everyone around him.

Ms Arnold said Daley's move would help other gay athletes.

If you look on social media there is still some very bad attitudes amongst the very young in schools and I think he will help that.

I hope that his coming out will help that a lot.

He needs to talk about it because if he wants to go for a meal in a restaurant with his boyfriend there will be cameramen outside waiting for him, paparazzi waiting for him, hounding him every step that he takes.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparks congratulated Tom Daley after he revealed he was in a relationship with a man, saying everyone within British Swimming supports him. In a statement, he said:

Everybody within British Swimming supports Tom and his announcement. It's a very private matter and doesn't change the very positive way in which we will continue to work with Tom.

Tom is one of the world's leading athletes and has achieved success at every level of competition including Olympic bronze and world gold.

I hope the media will give Tom the privacy he deserves to allow him to continue to focus on performance as he continues to be an inspiration and role model to millions around the globe.

Edward Coe, chairman of the ASA Group Board, who was himself named a role model by the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall last year, also offered his unequivocal support.

We must support Tom Daley in taking this incredibly courageous step.

To be one of the first Olympic athletes to come out is very brave and will, I hope, be a signal not just to other sports people but to all young people that you can be open about your sexuality, even in a very public environment. I am very proud of Tom.